geostationary

American  

[jee-oh-stey-shuh-ner-ee] / ˌdʒi oʊˈsteɪ ʃəˌnɛr i /

Also geosynchronous

adjective

1. of or relating to a satellite traveling in an orbit 22,300 miles (35,900 km) above the earth's equator: at this altitude, the satellite's period of rotation, 24 hours, matches the earth's and the satellite always remains in the same spot over the earth.

   geostationary orbit.

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geostationary British  

/ ˌdʒiːəʊˈsteɪʃənərɪ /

adjective

1. Also: geosynchronous.  (of a satellite) in a circular equatorial orbit in which it circles the earth once per sidereal day so that it appears stationary in relation to the earth's surface

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Etymology

Origin of geostationary

First recorded in 1960–65; geo- + stationary

Example Sentences

They are joined by rising companies like Astranis, which builds geostationary orbit satellites, and Relativity Space, which uses 3-D printers to make commercial rockets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

In geostationary orbit, arrays of solar panels can track the Sun and gather energy 24/7, sending it to Earth in microwave beams gentle enough to avoid frying birds and airplanes.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 21, 2024

Most communications satellites at the time rested in a geostationary orbit, which matched the Earth’s rotation, fixing each craft in place from the perspective of someone on the ground.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 24, 2023

The space agency says the module remains at a height of more than 115,000km - way above the 36,000km orbit where geostationary satellites are located - to avoid any threats of collision.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2023

Statsionar—Russia's geostationary system for satellite telecommunications. submarine cable—a cable designed for service under water.

From The 1999 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency